A Historical Stay in the Heart of Old Havana

We embarked on a walking tour of La Habana Vieja, the traditional center of Havana's commerce, industry, and entertainment. The tour took us through hidden courtyards, vibrant artist workshops, a local food ration store, and the city’s iconic plazas, each brimming with history and charm.

Interestingly, we learned that our hotel, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, was once Havana’s very first shopping center. Staying in such a historical building felt like a privilege. Surrounded by the main UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, the hotel’s central location placed us right in the midst of Old Havana’s vibrant energy.

Despite its somewhat aged exterior—a reflection of its storied past—the interior was a delightful mix of classic elegance and contemporary style. Every corner exuded a sense of refined luxury, and the attention to detail was remarkable.

One detail, in particular, caught my eye: the sink in our bathroom was made by Villeroy & Boch—a Luxembourgish brand! Discovering this little piece of home, so far away in Cuba, was both surprising and heartwarming.

The Grand Hotel Manzana Kempinski:

https://www.kempinski.com/en/gran-hotel-kempinski-la-habana

And the view?

Simply breathtaking. From our hotel, we had a front-row seat to the city’s captivating skyline, a perfect backdrop to begin our exploration of Old Havana.